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Whitefish Lake MT is one of the most popular lake destinations in Montana. A mere 15 miles north of Kalispell, it is one of the easiest and most convenient Montana lakes to reach. The waters of this large lake offer many water sports activities, including boating, fishing, and water skiing. The resorts of Whitefish Lake also make an excellent home base for exploring the many nearby natural wonders, including Glacier National Park.

Fishing

Whitefish Lake is an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts, with lake trout often over twenty pounds. Other species of fish found in Whitefish Lake include mountain whitefish, bull trout, rainbow trout, and northern pike. While shore fishing is common, tolling using spinning gear from a boat is the best and most popular method of fishing on Whitefish Lake. During the winter, the lake offers excellent ice fishing, as well.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park

One of the biggest draws to Whitefish Lake MT is its convenient proximity to Glacier National Park. Covering over 16,000 square miles of Montana, Glacier National Park offers one of the best preserved ecosystems in the United States, including two mountain ranges, hundreds of lakes, over 1,000 species of plant life, and several hundred types of animals. Because of its size, the park has several types of ecosystems, as well, ranging from forests and prairies to frozen tundra. The only road through Glacier National Park is called the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Due to the narrow curves of this 53-mile long road, recreational vehicles are not allowed, but tours are available in restored 1930s coaches called Red Jammers.

The park’s almost 700 miles of hiking trails offer stunning views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Two of the most challenging trails are the 110-mile long Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, crossing the park north to south, and the 52-mile long Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, crossing the park east to west. Hikers are advised to be aware of the park’s plentiful wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolverines, and lynx. Fishing, especially fly-fishing, is also extremely popular in the park. Lake McDonald is the park’s largest lake, 464 feet deep and stretching over nine miles in length. Several lakes also offer tours on historic wooden boats that have been in operation since the 1920s.

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake

Visitors to Whitefish Lake MT frequently enjoy a day trip to nearby Flathead Lake, as well. Slightly larger than Lake Tahoe in California, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River and one of the cleanest of its type in the world. Its water level is regulated by Kerr Dam, and there are two scenic highways that extend along its shores. The lake is named after the Flathead Native American tribe that live on the reservation at the southern edge. Flathead Lake contains numerous small islands. The largest is called Wild Horse Island, a Montana State Park filled with wildlife. Those wishing to visit the island park can charter one of several boat companies along the coast of Flathead Lake.

Whitefish Lake MT Lodging

Whitefish Lake MT Lodging Image: Lodge at Whitefish Lake Facebook

There are several resorts along the banks of Whitefish Lake MT, such as Lodge at Whitefish Lake (pictured) and Grouse Mountain Lodge, offering spas, gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, and fireplaces in individual rooms. The area also offers bed and breakfasts, such as the Garden Wall Inn, offering historic charm with claw-foot tubs, a covered front porch, and gourmet meals made from locally grown food products. There is also a campground on the shores of Whitefish Lake, offering its own beach and camping sites nestled within a mature forest.